Reminder: National Cherry Blossom Festival Is in No-Drone Zone

With the National Cherry Blossom Festival underway and anticipated peak bloom only a couple days away, the Federal Aviation Administration released a video last Thursday reminding festival-goers that the Tidal Basin is a part of the “no-drone zone.”

Eager photographers will not be able to use any unmanned aircraft systems to capture pictures of the blossoms from above.

The Special Flights Rules Area that extends in a 30-mile radius from Reagan National Airport includes an inner 15-mile radius in which drones are prohibited at all times.

“Flying a drone within these areas at any time, including the National Cherry Blossom Festival, is against the law, and violators could face stiff fines and criminal penalties,” according to the video. “Enjoy the National Cherry Blossom Festival, but leave your drone at home.”

The festival began on Sunday and will continue until April 17. The National Park Service estimates that peak bloom will begin March 23 or 24.

View the video [here](http://www.faa.gov/tv/?mediaId=1280). For more information on the festival, visit http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.